This is Claude. Claude is a 15-pound Monster Tasmanian Crab recently caught off the shores of (you'll never guess!) Tasmania that was on his way to an industrial-size steamer before being bought by a British Aquarium for £3,000 (~$4,800). Claude's shell is 15-inches across and it's estimated he's large enough to make 160 crabcakes BUT WILL CONTINUE TO GROW until he's almost 30 pounds and another three inches wide. That's almost big enough to ride into battle against the sharks!

In the wild, crabs eat any dead or dying matter they find on the seabed but Claude is currently dining on diced mackerel and squid and is reportedly very happy with his gourmet diet.

Rob Hicks, head marine biologist for Sea Life, said: 'They are such impressive creatures we thought that it was worth the cost and effort of flying them halfway round the world so they can flourish in an aquarium display.

Jemma Battrick, aquarist at Weymouth Sea Life said: 'When I found out we were getting the crabs in I was really excited.'

Jemma Battrick, ladies and gentlemen: she was really excited to get the crabs. Me? Not so much.*scratching* $29 hotel rooms: sometimes you come home with more than just saved money in your pocket.

Hit the jump for several more shots of the beast.

Thanks to Queenoftheseas, who promised me a fried fisherman's feast if I was good this week. OMG -- with hushpuppies?!

I'm happy that instead of eating it or dissecting it they are displaying it in an aquarium.They should have done the same with that 500 year old clam. I'll never understand why curiosity of the ocean's giants has always been more important that the life of the creature.... he does look tasty though.